06 Electrical Features

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2025 GH1: Chapter 6

General Information

There are two electrical systems in your TIFFIN GH1 Van. These are the 12-volt DC (VDC) system and the 120-volt AC (VAC) system. Most standard appliances require the 120-VAC system, while the majority of the lighting systems used in the TIFFIN GH1 use the 12-VDC electrical system.

The house battery bank is charged by the 30A shore power plug running through the inverter/ charger. The auxiliary alternator also charges the batteries when the engine is running.

The electrical power for the 120 VAC is supplied by the 30 AMP shore power cord when the TIFFIN GH1 is connected to an external power source. The inverter can also supply 120 VAC electrical power.

To connect the TIFFIN GH1 to an external source of 120 VAC electrical power, it is first recommended that main 30-amp circuit breaker is in the “off” position. This is done to prevent any power surge upon connecting the Van to the external power source. The standard, flexible, power cord supplied with the TIFFIN GH1 is designed to handle 30 amperes. Make sure that the pins in the male end of the plug are oriented correctly so they match the power cable, and they are in good condition (i.e., aren’t bent or damaged).

Note: Do not attempt to use any electrical adapters to convert the provided 30amp power cord, as this will damage electrical components inside the Van.

If there is a circuit breaker switch at the “plug” end of the power cord, that breaker should be turned “off” before making the connection. Insert the plug into the mating outlet and then turn the circuit breaker “on.” Close and lock the electrical compartment door to protect the contents and to keep them clean and dry. Close the cover on the power box, if so equipped, to avoid an unintentional disconnection and to keep the contents clean and dry. Then switch the main breaker to the “on” position.

External Solar Port

The TIFFIN GH1 utilizes the SmartPlug for shore power located at the rear of the van on the driver’s size. The 30 amp shore power cord can be used to charge the house battery or power the Van directly

Note: Do not attempt to use any electrical adapters to convert the provided 30amp power cord, as this will damage electrical components inside the Van.

Batteries

How to Properly Store Batteries

Up to a Decade of Use - Enjoy superb return on your investment with this heavy duty LiFePO4 battery! This 270Ah 12V GC3 battery lasts 3,000 - 5,000 deep discharge cycles, providing up to 10-15 years of power.

Built for Rugged Adventures - Our fast-charging lithium-ion batteries are perfect for RVs, campers, vans, boats, and trolling motors. Battle Born Batteries are also made to power industrial, off-grid, and residential backup applications!

Designed for Versatility - This eco-conscious and lightweight 270Ah 12V GC3 battery can be wired in series or parallel. And because it is designed with safety in mind and doesn't contain any acid, it can be safely mounted in any orientation.

Internal Protection - With a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) rated for 300 amps continuous, Battle Born lithium batteries are well-protected against extreme hot and cold temperatures, high and low voltages, short circuits, and other common causes of battery failure.

Quality You Can Trust – Our cutting-edge facilities are headquartered in Reno, Nevada, the lithium capital of North America. With onsite assembly Battle Born Batteries’ 12V lithium batteries are trusted by customers, celebrities, and top YouTubers, and come with a 10-year warranty and lifetime technical support.

How to Maintain the Batteries

Dragonfly Energy Batteries require very little maintenance. If your batteries are in series and not being charged by a multi-bank charger it is recommended that you fully charge the batteries individually once a month if the system is used frequently. This will internally balance your batteries to ensure that they will reach their expected life span and allow you to get the full power out of them with each use. If your batteries are in parallel this is not necessary, just make sure the batteries are charged to 14.2V – 14.6V frequently for internal balance. Our BMS has a built-in passive balancing system that will take care of this for you.

Inverter

True sine wave 120 VAC inverter with a built-in transfer switch. Features include extended surge rating, ignition control, configure, and monitor system performance via Bluetooth app using the optional Freedom X Bluetooth remote panel.

120 - Volt AC (VAC) Receptacles

Your TIFFIN GH1 Van is equipped with several 120 VAC receptacles (Figure 8-1) located throughout the interior of the Van.

These 120 VAC receptacles are of the “three-prong” variety; the third prong being a grounding pin which provides adequate grounding to protect one from any electrical shock.

For these receptacles to work properly, do not use an adapter, cheater, or extension cord which defeats the function of the grounding pin. For the same reason, never remove or bend away the ground prong or pin from any three-prong AC plug so that it would fit a two-prong AC receptacle (i.e., an ungrounded AC receptacle).

Never operate the TIFFIN GH1 if there is an electrical short present, as an electrical short may deliver an electrical shock to anyone coming in contact with the exterior of the unit.

If you should feel even the slightest of electrical shock, immediately disconnect the unit from the 120 VAC power source and contact a technician for assistance.

Do not reconnect the 120 VAC power until after that electrical fault is fixed— the grounding circuit must be continuous from the frame to the distribution panel, to the power cord, and to the earth ground so that electrical-shock protection is realized.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupt (GFCI) Receptacles

The TIFFIN GH1 has two 120 VAC GFCI receptacles (Figure 8-2), which provide greater protection against inadvertent electrical shocks. One is located on the PS bench rear and the other is located on the PS running board rear.

These specialized GFCI receptacles provide both overload and short-circuit protection for the user.

All GFCI-protected receptacles are marked as such, but only one of them may have two pushbuttons on the receptacle (as shown in the picture). The upper pushbutton is a “test” button which can be used to assure that the GFCI function is working—all one need do to test this function is to push that upper button: There will be a momentary “click” and the circuit will be disconnected (i.e., no power is available at the GFCI-protected receptacles). To reset this GFCI breaker, push the lower button (the “reset”)

These receptacles protect the user from ground faults between an electrically “hot” wire and ground. The GFCI will not reduce the shock hazard if the short is between a neutral and “hot” wire, or two “hot load” wires. The GFCI should be tested at least once a month. The 120 VAC electrical system must be “on” for the GFCI to be tested. To test the GFCI the reset button needs to be pushed in fully before starting the test. Push the test button; this will cause the reset button to pop out which means that the protected circuits have been disconnected. Push the reset button back in until a “click” is heard—this will re-activate the protected circuit. If the GFCI is working properly, the reset button will remain in the “in” position.

Circuit Breakers

The circuit breakers and fuses are installed to protect the electrical system of the TIFFIN GH1 from any overloads. Do not attempt to change the electrical circuitry or to add appliances yourself.

Please consult an authorized TIFFIN GH1 Motor Homes Dealership or TIFFIN GH1, incorporated to determine whether any changes you desire are appropriate and acceptable. Tiffin’ qualified staff of electricians can readily determine whether any changes sought (e.g. solar, radio, amateur radio, satellite television receiver, personal computer system, and the like) are possible or not and can advise you on how best to realize these enhancements.

The circuit breakers are located in the main 120 VAC distribution load center inside the passenger side bench.

When the circuit breakers are shut down or electrically tripped, they must be manually reset. As needed, manually reset the circuit breaker or breakers as shown in the accompanying figure.

The panel has a main 30amp breaker which turns off all incoming power to the panel’s branch breakers. All branch breakers are labeled as to their function.